Mormons Asked to Help Unemployed

Salt Lake City, Utah – It has been common for Mormons to be called upon to assist victims of natural disasters, and now they have been told to rally their members to come to the aid of the unemployed.

"The unemployment and financial wakes of this storm are splashing over every stake and every ward throughout the Church. I suspect they have been felt in some way by each of us, whether personally, through members of our families or extended families, or through someone we know," said Bishop Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bishop Edgley spoke to the priesthood of the Church as part of the 179th Annual General Conference on April 4, 2009. There were over 21,000 men and boys age 12 and up in the Conference Center on Temple Square, and the meeting was also broadcast live to Latter-day Saint church buildings around the world to enable all members of the priesthood to participate. The meeting may have been the largest gathering of priesthood members of the Church in history.

"The economic clouds that have long threatened the world are now fully upon us. The impact of this economic storm on our Heavenly Father´s children requires a gospel vision of welfare today more than ever before," said Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who was quoted by Bishop Edgley.

He spoke of the way the Latter-day Saints have quickly responded in large numbers when a phone call has been made for help after a natural disaster. The Church has developed a reputation among relief organizations and government agencies because of the quick response of members when called upon.

"Brethren, there is no organization better able to respond to the challenges of humanity than the priesthood of the Most High God. We have the organization. Stake presidents, bishops, elders quorum presidents, and high priest group leaders – we now call upon you to mobilize our priesthood quorums in response to the employment and financial challenges facing our members. Consider this your personal phone call. Now is the time to rally around, lift up, and help the families in our quorums who may be in distress," said Bishop Edgley.

He advised that members of priesthood quorums will know about job openings, some can help write resumes, teach interview skills, and find other ways to bear each others burdens.

The Latter-day Saint Church has employment resource centers in many locations to help with employment needs. Deseret Industries thrift stores offer employment and training to people of all backgrounds, including those who need rehabilitation.

Bishop Edgley reminded that the responsibility for finding employment or improving employment rests on those who are unemployed. The Church and members should be regarded as a resource to help in that process.

"We fear, however, that often priesthood leaders are unaware of your situation. Speak up! Let them know you are looking for work," he advised.